Customer Service Hours
Mon-Fri 8-4 MST
Features
Family
Solanaceae
Native
Americas
Life Cycle
Perennial
Plant Height
Medium (12" - 24")
Further Information
Plant Characteristics
Good for Containers
Growing Conditions
Frost Sensitive
About NuMex Heritage Big Jim Hatch Chile Pepper Seeds
Capsicum annuum
6"-8" long (but can often reach 12" long), 1 ½"-2" wide, thick-walled green peppers, turning to red when mature. Developed at New Mexico State University, this hatch chile is hotter than the average hatch at 9,000 SHU.
Planting Pepper
Days to Maturity
70-75 Days from transplanting
Plant Spacing
Start indoors
Light Required
Full Sun
Plant Height
Medium (12" - 24")
Planting Depth
1/4"
Coverage & Planting Details
| Coverage | This packet yields approximately 16 plants when started indoors. |
|---|---|
| Row Spacing | 24" - 36" |
| Seed Depth | 1/4" |
| Seed Spacing | Start indoors |
| Thinning | Start indoors, plant seedlings 18"–24" apart outside |
| Germination | 10 – 25 Days |
| Start Indoors | RECOMMENDED. 8 to 10 weeks before transplanting. Ideal soil temperature for germination is 70°-90°F. Transplant seedlings outside 2 to 4 weeks after your average last frost date, and when daytime temperatures are at least 70°F, and nighttime temperatures are at least 55°F. Mild Climates: Can also sow in late summer for fall/winter crop. |
| Direct Sow | For mild climates only: 2 to 4 weeks after your average last frost date, when soil temperature is at least 70°F. |
| Special Sowing | Pepper seed germinates best in very warm soil. Either use a heat mat under your seed starting tray or place tray in a warm room. Do not overwater, but keep soil just slightly moist. Make sure the potting containers are big enough that the plants' roots will not be constricted; if seedlings become rootbound, the plants' growth may be stunted. |
| Growing & Harvesting | When harvesting, take care to avoid touching the interior of any broken peppers, as the capsaicin is an extreme irritant, especially to the eyes. Wash hands thoroughly after harvesting or wear gloves to harvest peppers. |
Find Your Frost Date & Grow Zone
Average First Frost Date
October 19
Average Last Frost Date
May 19
Your Hardiness Zone is
5b
Send Your Recommendation
Total 5 star reviews: 0 Total 4 star reviews: 1 Total 3 star reviews: 0 Total 2 star reviews: 0 Total 1 star reviews: 0
Search
Rating
Which best describes you as a gardener?
1 review
- Jeffrey G.Verified BuyerRated 4 out of 5 stars12/24/25It took a long time to germinate
The peppers took a long time to germinate under ideal conditions. Most of them finally germinated after 4-6 weeks.
BIBotanical Interests12/26/25Hey Jeffrey,
Thank you for sharing your experience with the NuMex Heritage Big Jim Hatch Chile Pepper Seeds! You're absolutely right that these peppers can take their sweet time to germinate - it's actually pretty typical for chile pepper seeds, especially heritage varieties like these. The 4-6 week timeframe you experienced is within the normal range, though we know it can feel like forever when you're eagerly waiting to see those first green shoots!
Heritage varieties often have slower germination rates compared to hybrid seeds, but the wait is usually worth it for that authentic flavor. We appreciate your patience and are glad to hear they eventually sprouted for you. Thanks for taking the time to share this helpful info with other gardeners! Keep on growing 🌻️